Auckland Santa parade: What roads are closed and what time does it start?

Many roads in the central city, including Queen and Victoria Streets, will be closed for today's parade.

By RNZ

Auckland's biggest Christmas parade will take place today.

Thousands of people are expected to attend Farmers annual Santa parade, which is in its 86th year.

All inner-city roads, including Queen, Wellesley and Victoria Streets, will be closed between 11am and 5pm for the event, which starts at 1pm.

After the parade, Santa's Party will take place in Aotea Square from 2.30pm with food, stalls, headliners PJ Masks and entertainment for the whole family.

Please check carefully how buses will be diverted and which bus stops will be closed for the Farmers Santa Parade today.
More info: https://t.co/4yCUlyIkpd pic.twitter.com/mxj1gUEpJA

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) November 23, 2019

The weather forecast is for bright sunshine, light winds and a humid 20C.

This year's parade will also be last for the city's five-storey-high Santa that stands on the corner of the Farmers building.

If you're taking the train to the Farmers Santa Parade today please do not take any balloons on board or at stations due to the overhead lines. pic.twitter.com/hKSz6Nc9YH

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) November 23, 2019

It was announced earlier this year that after 60 years, the giant Santa would head into retirement.

Its owner, business association Heart of the City, said restoration work was needed and there were also challenges around the large structure's storage.

If your whanau are travelling to the Farmers Santa Parade today, be sure to take advantage of free child weekend fares. With a registered AT HOP card, children aged 5-15 years travel FREE. Learn more: https://t.co/8OZa4mgfjU pic.twitter.com/rcMg5Ls1P1

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) November 23, 2019

Auckland council's tourism and events company, ATEED, decided last year that the parade did not meet its funding criteria of bringing overnight visitors to the city.

Elected councillors voted to overturn the decision.

About 95 per cent of the parade is funded by commercial sponsorship.

Last year's parade was postponed due to bad weather for the first time in 20 years.